The Radiant Empire's capital of Sanctum Lux gleamed.
It felt a promise of salvation told in marble and gold.
General Casmir Valente stood at the window of the Divine Council chamber, looking out at the city that had never known demon footsteps.
White towers rose toward heavens that the faithful claimed watched with approval.
Gardens of impossible beauty sprawled between governmental buildings, maintained by holy magic that made everything grow pristine and perfect.
Even the air tasted clean here—purified by wards that had existed for centuries, filtering out anything that might corrupt or contaminate.
It was beautiful.
It was sterile.
And right now, it felt like a tomb waiting for occupants who didn't know they were dead yet.
"We should have sent more forces."
The voice came from Grand Commander Veyra, her silver-threaded hair pulled back in the severe style of military nobility.
